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By Henry Chigozie Duru, PhD
A Monday of Bloodshed: Sit-at-Home Enforcement Turns Deadly
Two Mondays ago, three communities in Anambra State—Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo—witnessed violent attacks attributed to enforcers of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) ‘Monday sit-at-home order’. At least five community vigilante operatives lost their lives, jolting residents into acknowledging the severe security risks posed by this enforced culture. While such violent breaches had diminished in recent months, the incidents highlighted the lingering threat of the sit-at-home-order in the Southeast zone of Nigeria..
The Socio-Economic Toll of the Sit-at-Home Culture
The sit-at-home order has evolved into a severe socio-economic and security crisis for the Southeast. Businesses, banks, and markets remain shuttered on Mondays, turning cities into ghost towns. While State capitals like Awka show signs of partial recovery, rural areas remain paralyzed. The economic fallout disproportionately impacts those reliant on daily incomes, deepening poverty in already struggling communities.
Communities Under Siege: A Rise in Lawlessness
Certain areas, particularly in Imo and Anambra States, have become hotbeds of criminal activity. Notorious zones like Orsu, Orlu, Oru East, and parts of Ihiala and Nnewi South LGAs are overrun by non-State actors. These criminals extort motorists, impose taxes on villagers, and demand payments from families hosting ceremonies, threatening violence for non-compliance. Such acts mirror the tactics of insurgents in the northern regions, signaling the alarming spread of lawlessness.
A Region in Flight: The Exodus of Indigenes
Fear and insecurity have driven many Southeast indigenes away from their ancestral lands. Traditional ceremonies, once deeply rooted in local communities, are now held in cities like Lagos and Abuja for safety. Entire communities face depopulation, with residents abandoning homes to escape the terror. The brazen attacks on federal roads, as seen near Isseke, underscore the emboldenment of these criminals.
A State Overrun by Non-State Actors
The rise of non-State actors has significantly eroded the government’s control in affected areas. Many residents are more inclined to obey these actors than the State, creating a dangerous precedent. Sit-at-home days have become sacrosanct, with markets, schools, and public life at a standstill. This surrender of authority signals a near-collapse of governance in these zones.
The Danger of Undermining State Institutions
The roots of this crisis can be traced to a period when attacks on security agencies were tacitly celebrated. In 2021, violent assaults on police stations and INEC offices in many places were met with alarming public support. This eroded State authority, paving the way for the current reign of terror. Weakening institutions like the police leads to chaos, as the vacuum is filled by unchecked criminality.
Lessons from #EndSARS: Strengthen, Don’t Destroy
The #EndSARS protests highlighted the dangers of undermining State institutions. While the movement began as a call to address police brutality, its descent into lawlessness served as a cautionary tale. Destroying public institutions leaves communities vulnerable. The focus should be on reforming and strengthening these bodies to better serve and protect citizens.
A Call to Action: Retaking Control
The federal government and Southeast governors must recognize the existential threat posed by non-state actors. Innovative strategies are essential to regain control of public spaces. Enhanced intelligence gathering, proactive security measures, and community engagement are critical to staying ahead of criminal elements. Without decisive action, the political and economic stability of the region remains at risk.
Conclusion
Security is a collective responsibility, and the current situation in the Southeast calls for a united front. Citizens must reject lawlessness, no matter how appealing the motives of non-state actors might seem. The government must rise to its duty, retaking control and restoring confidence in its ability to protect lives and property. The time for complacency has passed—bold, innovative action is needed to restore order and security to the region.
Henry Chigozie Duru, PhD, teaches journalism and mass communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Internal Links
- How Insecurity is Affecting Southeast Nigeria’s Economy
- The Role of Community Vigilantes in Tackling Crime
- The Rise of Non-State Actors in Nigeria: A Regional Perspective
- Impact of Sit-at-Home Orders on Education in Southeast Nigeria
- Steps for Rebuilding Trust in State Institutions
